Training inc AP Toolkit

We’ve developed a Clinical and Health Research Competency Training Framework which outlines the knowledge and required training that is needed for each competency level. The below diagram offers a high level summary:

This summary roadmap shows the 5 competency levels and outlines the required level of knowledge and training needed for each level. The competencies are based not only on knowledge and experience but also the amount of time you are able to commit to research.

Competency levels and themes:        

There are 5 different competency levels starting from core up to expert. To move onto the next competency level all areas of the previous competency need to be completed. Below gives a summary of the learning outcomes and capabilities for each competency level:

1. Core

• Has an awareness of the specified skill details and knows where to go to find out more
• Is aware there is a research department and we are a research active NHS Trust
• Takes no active role in research
• Core-Level-Research-Competency-Training-Framework.docx [docx] 27KB

 

2. Beginner

• Increased knowledge of the 4 research themes
• Will actively verbally promote research opportunities
• Beginner-Level-Research-Competency-based-training-framework-for-clinical-health-research.docx [docx] 28KB

3. Intermediate

• Actively identifies patients for specific research study sign up
• Understands all aspects of the 4 research themes
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training required
• Intermediate-Level-Research-Competency-based-training-framework-for-clinical-health-research.docx [docx] 33KB

4. Advanced

• Principal Investigator (PI)
• Leads and conducts a research study at their site
• Has excellent working knowledge of all aspects of the research process
• PI training required
• Advanced-Level-Research-Competency-based-training-framework-for-clinical-health-research.docx [docx] 34KB

5. Expert

• Chief Investigator (CI)
• The overall lead researcher for a research project
• Has expert level knowledge of the whole research process
• Needs knowledge to complete application for funding for own research study 
• Receives approval for ethical and legal compliance
• Expert-Level-Competency-based-training-framework-for-clinical-health-research.docx [docx] 34KB

These flow charts break down each competency into their themes and skills and at a glance show what you need to know for each competency level:  Framework summary

If you'd like to view our full training framework for research please get in touch: WHCNHS.ResearchDevelopment@nhs.net 

Multi-professional Advanced Practise Research Toolkit launch (February 2025)

Click here to access the Advanced Practise Research Toolkit:  ACP Research Pillar framework v3 updated 04.06.23_HWHCT_v4.docx [docx] 169KB

 

This Multi-professional Advanced Practice Research Toolkit , originally developed by Professor Kerry Gaskin (2023), brings together the requirements of the Multi-professional Practice-based Research Capabilities Framework (NHSE 2024 ) with the Multi-professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice (HEE 2017).

The AP Research Toolkit helps APs to 'get started' with the research pillar; to encourage them and their teams to think about their research priorities and help with research objective setting and aide appraisal discussions.

We have localised the Toolkit to include local research learning and development opportunities for APs, but the toolkit can be used by  anyone with an interest in developing their research skills. It is a living document so can be adapted in response to its users’ needs.

We are also developing a bespoke page within our R&D intranet as a home for the Toolkit and other resources and will be circulating to current APs across the Trust shortly. To find out more, watch Professor Gaskin’s overview. 

 

 

Looking for further information/training/support? 

Research Competency framework:

Why not take a look at our Research Competency training framework (click back a page from here). There are 5 different levels depending on your knowledge and experience. The middle level — intermediate — would be a good place to sense check your knowledge and then choose your level accordingly.

Within each level there is a training framework (plan) at varying depths of knowledge which covers:

• background to clinical and health research
• data management
• study set-up
• safety reporting

For ease the links to the intermediate level and competency sign-off sheet are included below:

Intermediate   Intermediate-Level-Research-Competency-based-training-framework-for-clinical-health-research.docx [docx] 33KB

Intermediate-Level-Competency-sign-off-sheet.docx [docx] 19KB

Intermediate level outcomes:

• Actively identifies patients for specific research study sign up
• Understands all aspects of the 5 research themes
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training required to be completed

Access free NIHR (National Institute for Health and care Research) training

A whole range of training can be accessed via NIHR Learn. You will need to set up a free account. GCP training can be accessed here.

Other training opportunities and funding

There's lots of other, sometimes chargeable, training available plus funding opportunities — (click back a page from here)

PI (Principal Investigator) Essentials virtual training

In-house PI Essentials training is run virtually in house by the R&D team. Although aimed at PI's it offers a great overview of the research process, where we 'fit in,' ethics, practical advise on running a research study etc. So if you are you are a new PI or someone who's interested in finding out more about this as well as the research process then this is for you. Please get in touch for further info or book onto the course here. Training lasts 2 hours and is run virtually via Teams. The next session is:

4.3.25: 9.30am – 11.30am

Research and Development annual virtual conference

This runs in October and is free and open to all. Experts in their field join us offering a fab insight. For further information visit our conference pages. 2025 dates will be announced soon.

 

Research and Development news

Keep up to date with national and local research news. Updated regularly.

 

And don't forget — the R&D Team are here to support you! Drop us an email: WHCNHS.ResearchDevelopment@nhs.net 

Training:

In house training: 

National Research & Development Conference 

Our national virtual conference is a great opportunity to hear from fantastic speakers and keep up to date with what's happening in the research world.

Keep up to date via our conference pages. Dates and agenda for our 2025 virtual conference are now confirmed and recordings from previous conferences are also available here.

 

‘PI (Principal Investigator) Essentials’ virtual in-house training 

If you are you a new PI or someone who's interested in finding out more about leading a research project as well as the research process, then this is for you. Training lasts 2 hours and is run virtually via Teams. Sessions were run in Feb, March and June and more sessions are now available to book in July and September: 

• 15.7.25, 10.30am - 12.30pm, sign-up here
• 25.09.25, 9.30am-11.30am, sign-up  here
• 30.09.25, 9.30am-11.30am, sign-up  here 

Please get in touch with any queries.

 

Research Collaborators

We launched the Research Collaborator role (similar to a 'champion' role) in November 2022 and have since welcomed over 40 colleagues. Our aim was and continues to be to enable ANYONE who works in our Trust to get involved in research. Our Research Collaborators support the delivery of research across the Trust by promoting research opportunities to colleagues and the populations we serve so a HUGE thank you to them for all their work to date.

So, if you can give around an hour per month and want to: 

• learn something new
• build on skills and experience you may already have 
• take advantage of FREE training delivered in-house and via NIHR Learn (National Institute for Health and Care Research)
• share and keep people up to date with research opportunities
• meet a group of like-minded people
• keep up to date with research news and updates via our monthly virtual check-in/updates sessions...

...then we’d love to hear from you! We welcome new people at any time. Please email:  alice.madden1@nhs.net  for further information and check out our designated intranet pages. 

 

Staff and student Shadowing opportunities with the R&D Team 

We have developed a shadowing day to enable more people to gain access to a basic understanding of how NHS health research works and show the paths that can be taken to get more involved.

If you or anyone you know in your team is interested please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing us:  WHCNHS.ResearchDevelopment@nhs.net

 

Regional training:

STARS (supporting The Advancement of Research Skills)

This is a free online research training and education programme, delivered through a series of workshops and seminars developed by the Midlands Partnership University Foundation Trust Research and Innovation department with academic partners at Keele University and the University of Worcester. FREE to all staff. Booking form and further information can be found here and STARS :: Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

The Mental Health Mission Midlands Translational Centre (MHMTC) invites you to join the Midlands Mental Health Principal Investigator (PI) Development Network (funded by the NIHR)

 

National training, grants and qualification opportunities:

NIHR INSIGHT for West Midlands Scheme

• This programme provides an NIHR-funded opportunity to study a research training course leading to a Masters in one of their regional partner universities – Birmingham, Birmingham City, Coventry, Keele, Staffordshire, and Warwick.
• The programme is delivered in collaboration with NHS and local authority partners and is available to newly qualified or early career healthcare, social workers and public health professionals (excluding medical and dental professionals).
• Current application deadline is 24.6.25. Find out more here or get in touch with us.

 

ARCs (Applied Research Collaborations) webinar series: book and  find out more here

  The power of creative arts to improve wellbeing and involvement in research is explored:

In this cross-ARC series of three webinars, varied research and the power of creative arts to improve wellbeing and involvement in research of different communities is explored: 

·   Wednesday 9 July 2025 at 1pm: Creative arts for dementia

 

Chief Investigator and Principal Investigator toolkit

This gives a great overview including further information about the research process: Chief Investigator Principle Investigator (CIPI) Tool (cipitool.co.uk) (excuse the mis-spelling of ‘Principal’ in the link…

 

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) training for researchers: January — June 2025

The NIHR BRC have several different Patient and Public Involvement online training dates for researchers in 2025 (see below). Please visit https://bit.ly/Trg4PPI  to book your place.

• Using PPI to help communicate your research (for Researchers): 19.6.25, 1-3pm

Training is free for NIHR, NHS, academic or charity-funded researchers, students or staff based in the UK. You must use a work-related email to register.

This training is free often runs at capacity, with large waiting lists. So, you must cancel your ticket if you cannot attend to allow another researcher the opportunity.  Please know your future bookings may be cancelled if you do not.

 

Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI) webinars and training: 

This article, initially shared in March 2023, offers a fantastic insight into 2 nurses research journeys. Take a look and hear their frank account of their experiences and how nurses play an absolutely crucial role in the research process.

Recordings of previous masterclasses can be found here: Research Masterclasses on Demand – The Queen's Nursing Institute (qni.org.uk). 

Designing posters to have impact with Maria Grant

When?  Thursday 3rd July

Where?   Zoom

This session will focus on building research capacity with a specific emphasis on dissemination through posters. It will look at #BetterPoster design principles to facilitate meaningful conversations in the limited space available during a conference poster session.

Maria Grant is a trainer, coach and editor, specialising in research and writing in the health & social care and library & information sectors.  Book now

Research advice drop-in sessions: Book here  for the next session on 20th June, 13.10-13.50

Are you curious about research but don’t know where to start? Have you been involved in research and want to do more? Do you have a research idea and need guidance to take the first step? Are you frustrated about evidence gaps where you practice? Join a research surgery drop-in session with Donna Clements to ask questions in a supportive place and for advice and guidance. Whether you are new to research or you have already begun your research journey, please come along for a chat.

Events – The Queen's Nursing Institute (qni.org.uk)

Are you interested in becoming a research mentor or being mentored through your research and career development journey? This scheme is open to everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned academics and all those in between. The process will be largely independent and reliant on the initiative and

organisation of both the mentors and the mentees. Please read the Mentorship Scheme guidelines on our webpage before signing up.

Sign up here to be a mentor
Sign up here to be a mentee

Access Research Funding and Training Opportunities 

Access the QNI unique repository of research funding opportunities and training schemes open to community nurses. Find out more

 

Midlands Mental Health (MMH) and Neurosciences PHD Programme for Healthcare Professionals

The Midlands hosts the most innovative centres in mental health and neurosciences (MH&N), including digital mental health, clinical trials, neuroimaging, and epidemiology, serving an area of huge clinical need.

The Midlands Mental Health & Neurosciences PhD Programme is led by the University of Nottingham, in collaboration with University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, and University of Warwick, and our local NHS Trusts in the Midlands.  Click here  to find out more.

‘From the Research Design Service (RDS) desk - literature searching essentials
A crucial part of any research funding application is conducting a thorough literature search of your topic area. This can seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry – help is at hand!

The RDS has recently created a collection of literature-searching resources to support you.  June’s RDS blog  provides an overview on how each resource can help.’

 

The NIHR-AoMRC Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework

A framework of master’s level qualifications is being developed jointly by the NIHR and the AoMRC, led by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) to provide the necessary networks, skills and confidence needed for healthcare practitioners from any regulated profession to lead and support clinical research delivery.

It consists of two key elements:

Online modules - Flexible access to modules of high-quality interactive learning. These theoretical modules will develop knowledge and insight of the approaches to, and delivery of, clinical research.

Research Practice Experiences (RPE) – Practical modules that enable learners to take part in clinical research in their area of interest, as part of existing research studies, whilst being supported under the supervision and mentorship of a senior researcher. This will develop their experience and expertise to grow future local research leadership capability within the NHS. For more information, visit  here.

 

Training resources for research in the wider care and community settings

This spreadsheet displays the results of a scoping review of local, regional, national and wider learning resources to support research engagement and delivery in the wider care and community setting non-NHS setting.

Training resources for research in the wider care and community settings - Google Sheets

 

Funding opportunities:

Clinical Research Network West Midlands Health and Care Research Scholars (HS) and Personal Development Award programmes for 2024-2026.

These programmes are aimed at future Chief Investigators and Principal Investigators.

For more information on the programmes, timelines and to download the guidance document and application forms please visit our site here and view our flyer about the scholar scheme here. 

 

Bursaries for qualifications in clinical research delivery leadership
Apply now to take masters level courses aligned with the Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework. The qualifications are for all experienced healthcare practitioners who want to take on leadership roles in clinical research delivery. 

Bursaries are available to pay the course fees for regulated health and care professionals, except doctors and dentists. The deadline for bursary applications is 12 noon on 1 July 2025. For further information, please visit the NIHR website.

 

The PGfAR (Programme Grants for Applied Research) Funding Opportunity: open for applications between 7.10.25 - 2.12.25  

There will be a ring fenced call dedicated to ‘Research inspired by under-represented disciplines and specialisms to drive transformational changes for patients and the public’.

• Through this ring fenced funding call, PGfAR is seeking to grow a portfolio of applied health and care research programmes with leadership/co-leadership from underrepresented disciplines, specialisms and/or methodologists, that is: 
  • • Registered health and care professionals (HCPs), who are not doctors or dentists (i.e., proposals cannot solely be led by doctors or dentists but in alignment with the above, a co-lead arrangement is permitted given the scale and complexity of research programmes).
    • Allied health professionals.
    • Research methodologists specifically the following disciplines: medical statistics, health economics, clinical trial design, operational research, modelling, bioinformatics, qualitative research, mixed methods and epidemiology.
• The funding opportunity offers multidisciplinary research teams considerable flexibility to focus on any health and care topics within remit and scope of the PGfAR programme. We welcome applicati ons with leadership from underrepresented disciplines, specialisms and/or methodologists that present a coherent applied research programme of interrelated, multidisciplinary projects which individually and together produce outputs and outcomes that are likely to realise a transformative step change in the way the health and care services can meet the needs of the UK public.
• The timing of this ring fenced funding aligns with highly relevant initiatives that we look to research applicants to reflect on and respond to as they shape their research proposals including the UK Government’s Health and Growth Missions, and the DHSC’s Area of Research Interest (ARI) 3 shaping and supporting the health and social care workforce of the future.  Applicants are encouraged to align their research to these policy ambitions.
• The amount awarded and the length of the funding period depends on the nature of the proposed work. In recent competitions PGfAR awards attract funding of around £2.0 - £3.5 million across 4 - 6 years.
• More details can be found in the PGfAR Funding Opportunity -October 2025 Summary webpage and also the Research Specification with the accompanying supporting information. 
• We will hold a webinar about this funding opportunity on 30 June 2025 at 10:30 - 12:15.  In the webinar you and your colleagues can learn more about  the ring fenced opportunity and DHSC’s areas of research interest 3: shaping and supporting the health and social care workforce of the future. If you wish to attend the webinar please complete the webinar registration form. Please also find more information about this funding call and our webinar on our LinkedIn. 

Complete this form and email it back to us so we can help you get started. Don’t forget to have a chat with your line manager and build research into your career development plan or your continuing professional development (CPD) conversations.

We’re here to support and guide you every step of the way.

What's 'portfolio' research?

Portfolio research is large-scale clinical research that has been adopted onto the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) research portfolio. There are several large-scale portfolio studies currently running in the Trust in which our Clinical Research Practitioners can assist. If you've heard of a study you are interested in please contact us.

Where can I find out about non-portfolio research?

Get in touch with Sam Topping, Operational Lead for Research and Development, if you want to find out about non-portfolio research: samantha.topping1@nhs.net 

I need help formalising my research idea – where do I go?

Talk to your colleagues about your idea. You'll need to establish whether it's research, audit or an evaluation. If it is research you'll need to do a literature review to see if someone has already researched the area - the Health Librarians can help with this.

The National Institute for Health Research Design Service can then help you develop your idea and point you in the right direction to secure funding. Please also contact us for support with developing your research question.

How do I get funding for my research project?

There are funding streams and available awards available from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) there is also a specific funding stream aimed at clinicians. 

I'm doing a research project as part of my MSc or PhD - what do I do to get it approved?

First ensure your study is research and not an audit or evaluation. You will need external ethics approval for most research undertaken within the NHS. Go to the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) for more information. You then need to get local Trust approval from Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health & Care NHS Trust. Call or email Sam Topping for more information: samantha.topping1@nhs.net